Derby name origin: Back in the olden days of derby, you had to register your name on ThreeEvils. The name I originally wanted, Admiral Smackbar, was already taken. I started thinking of actors/actresses in Star Wars movies, and thought of the greatest Jedi to wield a purple lightsaber--and Slamyou L. Jackson was born.

When did you join roller derby? I started Fresh Meat in 2013 and have been bouting since 2014!

What brought you to Free State? I first skated in my home city in Arkansas. My husband is in the Navy, and we were transferred here in 2016--and I have been with Free State ever since!

How did you find Free State? I used my magic Google-fu skills to find derby leagues in Maryland and was ecstatic to learn there was a WFTDA team within 20 miles of!

Which leagues/teams are you affiliated with? (e.g. Suzies, Villains, Team Maryland, DCRG, CCRG, etc)

Suzies

Are you a member of any committees or have off-skates roles?

I am a co-captain for the Black Eyed Suzies and am one of the league trainers.

Do you have a skating/athletic background?

Before joining roller derby, I had not participated in athletics at all. In the last few years, I began crosstraining to be a better skater. I love doing Crossfit...and I also make myself run (even though I don't really like it much)

Likes/dislikes: I like Star Wars. Good puns. Craft beer. Camping in an old pop-up camper with my husband and daughter. I dislike the "m" word.

What is your Non-Derby-Related job? I am a reading specialist.

Pre-Bout ritual: Oatmeal with fresh fruit, then a small snack and some preworkout before warmups. I also try to find the sparkliest shorts around and make sure to put some kind of purple paint on my face.

Signature move: Sometimes I give hugs to refs....and not always on purpose

Roller Derby hero: Roxy Dallas, Freight Train (and anyone else on the Texecutioners)

Motivational quote: "Whenever I'm about to do something, I think, 'Would an idiot do that?' And if they would, I do not do that thing." ~~Dwight Schrute